Although Norwin High School’s varsity baseball team opened the season on the wrong foot, they’ve quickly turned things around. The team began the season with three consecutive losses to Penn Trafford, Fox Chapel, and Central Catholic, losing by a combined 20 runs in those three games. However, in their few games against North Allegheny, Upper St. Clair, and Hempfield, the bats came alive, leading to an impressive offensive stretch, culminating with an impressive 18-0 win over Woodland Hills on April 14th.
On the season, Norwin has scored 71 runs, which is second to only Canon McMillian in the Section standings. Despite the elite offense, their defensive performance of the team has been subpar, allowing 59 runs, the second-highest runs against in WPIAL conference 6A Section 2. Despite this, the team’s strong grit and sense of resilience keep them successful, sitting at a 6-6 record with a high likelihood of qualifying for the WPIAL playoffs. Norwin currently holds second place in their Section.
“This year the team has learned that no matter what, we are not out of the game,” said senior pitcher and fielder Brayden Wardzinski. “We have been losing by multiple runs multiple times this season but have always found a way to comeback. We had a comeback walk-off against NA and have had some other come-from-behind victories in section games this season.”
Norwin’s impressive comebacks have by far been the strongest aspect of their season. This strong perseverance is key for Norwin’s success, and has led them to numerous comeback wins this season, but it’s far more critical to the team to remain focused to not end up in come-from-behind situations at all.
“I would say that we need to just regroup ourselves as a team and try to control our emotions better,” said Norwin senior Ethen Culbertson. “We have the talent, but we are just getting too anxious whether it’s in the field and/or batting. If we can find our rhythm, we will be able to succeed and make it a long way in the playoffs.” Culbertson has been playing baseball at Norwin for several years and makes a great impact on the team’s success at the pitcher position.
In order to qualify for playoffs in the WPIAL conference, you must be one of the top four teams in your division. Norwin’s second-place position in their conference gives them a high likelihood of making the WPIAL playoffs this season. Norwin is prepared to finish strong and secure a top seed in the playoffs, playing two consecutive games against Woodland Hills within the next week.
Last year, Norwin finished with a record of 11-10, and was eliminated early in the postseason. This year, the team is determined to turn it around and make a deep postseason run, with ambitions of winning it all.
“As a team, our goal is to win the WPIAL Championship, and eventually the State Championship,” said Culbertson. “To get there, though, we look to win and take advantage of each series we play.”
